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Here you'll find resources posted by individuals, churches, and ministries. Add comments, give a 'thumbs up', or post your own. Can't find something? Use the chat box to let us know.
CIRRIE has developed a thirteen-volume monograph series, The Rehabilitation Provider's Guide to Cultures of the Foreign-Born, which provides specific information on cultural perspectives of foreign-born persons in the U.S., especially recent immigrants.
If it is true that people are excluded from church for social- skill reasons, what changes might be instituted within the social environment that would benefit not only persons with disabilities but the larger population as well? What “social ramp” would cause more people to have access and find social acceptance?
Ever wonder what it's like to live with autism, or have a child with autism. Here's a "humanizing article" as my friend calls it: The Anti-Socialite: Life with an Asperger's Child.
The US Dept. of Justice released results of a first-ever study of crimes against people with disabilities. The sad and not-surprising finding is that people with disabilities are one and one half times as likely to be victims of crime as people without disabilities.
Many people have to stay away from church fellowship because their allergies or chemical sensitivities prevent them from interaction with the people there. Churches can take steps to bring at least some people back into community again.
Disability Concerns has partnered with Faith and Hope Ministries to produce a free, downloadable study series on mental illness. Let’s Talk! Breaking the Silence around Mental Illness in Our Communities of Faith will open conversations about this often hidden subject.
The film "Like Stars on Earth" tells the story of an 8-year-old boy who suffers the abuse of classmates, teachers, and even his own parents for his inability to do what most children learn easily. Later, with the help of a temporary art teacher, the boy's life was changed.
With the unemployment rate of people with disabilities between 50 and 85 percent, deacons can serve people with disabilities in their congregations well by helping them find jobs. Here are some ideas from an employment specialist.
Often when a child with a disability comes into a family, whether by birth or by adoption, the parents are not ready for the emotional, spiritual, and practical changes they must make to care for their new child well.
The author of this article, Carol Levine, had been caring for her disabled husband for 17 years when she wrote this article. She polled fellow caregivers and condensed the results to these 10 items not to say to someone who provides long-term care to a loved one.
This article by Beccy Adams touches on a variety of practical and loving ways to connect to people dealing with mental health issues including the importance of gentle curiosity and ideas like, "Relate, but don’t over-relate: Get in touch with your own mental health short comings."
Here are some great ideas from Barbara Newman to help you and/or your loved ones make your celebrations of our Lord's birth positive and enjoyable.
People who use wheelchairs are not "wheelchair bound." People aren't "bound" by wheelchairs, they "use" wheelchairs. With that out of the way, here are 10 more things not to say to people who use wheelchairs.
“Far too often, people assume a level of familiarity with former military that not only breeches proper office conduct but also invades one’s 'personal space',” says Ryan Kules. Here are nine things not to say, whether or not the veteran lives with a disability.
This checklist is designed to be a mirror showing you where your congregation is today and a window to see where you might go in the future.
This is an outstanding article on ministry with people with mental illnesses written by a woman whose mother has schizophrenia with solid facts on mental illness and churches.
ADNet has collected a number of articles into one page on this very important topic for ministry. The introduction to the page says, "Setting healthy boundaries enables us to persist in sharing Christ's love through difficult circumstances.
Parade Magazine's article, "Unlocking the Silent Prison" describes research that has shown that people with dementia find written communication much more useful/memorable than spoken communication.
In this touching and warm story, Chris Gabbard, an English professor at the University of North Florida, reflects on life with his son, August, who lives with multiple impairments.
In these articles from Focus on the Family, Joe and Cindi Ferrini, who are parents of a child with disabilities.
This Focus on the Family article series describes itself like this: "Amid these stories from other parents, you'll find tips and tools in the areas of schooling, church, balancing the needs of your disabled child and the needs of your other children, coping when your circumstances have become too hard and encouragement in developing friendships."
This set of questions and answers give the current understanding of Asperger Syndrome from the National Institutes of Health (U.S.) The page includes links to other organizations as well.
Wonder how to be courteous to a person who has a disability? Here's a great start from Easter Seals.
During discussion time, a participant asked what a church could do if a person did not want to share that they were struggling with a mental health issue. The answer is straightforward, but not simple.
How do you recognize each other's gifts and support each other's needs while avoiding a "you're not like us" attitude? A feature story explores ways to be inclusive in worship and make room for those with or without special needs.